The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to constitute an Empowered Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, to examine whether the Adani Group’s proposal to divest its 49 per cent stake in Vizhinjam Port is in the State’s interest.Addressing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the government would not take any decision that is detrimental to Kerala’s interests.He reiterated that the UDF government was unaware of the proposed stake transfer until reports appeared in the media. The government later learnt that the Adani Group had been in discussions with the MSC Group over the proposed transaction for nearly a year.Satheesan said that on the same day the Adani Group informed SEBI about the proposed deal, the State government conveyed its displeasure over not being informed earlier. Following this, the company formally sought the government’s prior approval for the share transfer, as required under the concession agreement.Responding to Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan’s criticism, the Chief Minister said the allegations were made without reading the concession agreement. He dismissed the claim that the MSC Group could establish a monopoly at Vizhinjam Port, pointing out that the agreement mandates the port to function as a common-user facility.There has been no breach of the concession agreement so far, as no share transfer has taken place, he said, adding that even if the State government grants approval, the transaction can be completed only after obtaining clearances from the Union Ministries of Home Affairs and Ports, Shipping and Waterways.Published on July 8, 2026